Born in Germany, Birgit studied law at the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Germany. After working several years at the Messe Frankfurt GmbH, the world’s largest trade fair organizer, she worked as an assistant advocate at Deutsche Touring GmbH, an international operating travel company. There she was responsible for international and national travelling applications according to the German and European Law, customer complaints and claims, law suits, contractor agreements, and handling company-owned patent rights.

When her husband was assigned to Corning Inc. in 2007, Birgit and her family moved to Corning. She joined the faculty of 171 Cedar Arts in 2008 as a German instructor for beginning to advanced students. As a native speaker, she bases her lessons on spoken, conversational German, but also emphasizes grammar and written work.

“I try to balance fundamental language work with up-to-date topics you might encounter during travel, news, or daily life,” she says. “I love the student-facing role and teaching German language and culture. It is exciting to watch students develop their conversation skills over the time.” Birgit also works as a German tutor, offering private lessons for adults and children on request.